What Is An Executive Function Coach? A Comprehensive Guide
- Sean G. McCormick
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
Thank you to our sponsors who keep this newsletter free to the reader:
This article is brought to you by the Special Educator's 10-Minute Coaching Niche Toolkit.
Find your niche, run your first session, set your price, and grab a ready-to-use coaching contract. Designed for special educators exploring executive function coaching.
If you’ve heard the term “executive function coaching” buzzing around and thought to yourself, “Do I need this? Does anyone I know need this?” then you’re in the right place.
Executive function coaching isn’t another throwaway self-help trend. Instead, it’s a highly targeted approach to helping people manage, organize, focus, and thrive in both personal and professional settings.
The best part? It’s a practical solution backed by science, geared toward helping you or those you work with handle everything from sticking to deadlines to staying cool under stress.
If you’ve ever considered hiring an executive function coach for yourself or your child (or are thinking about becoming one yourself), this article is for you.
What is an Executive Function Coach?
An executive function coach is someone who specializes in helping clients develop and refine essential executive function skills that keep daily life running smoothly.
Unlike the traditional coaches you might be familiar with who might focus on broader life goals or athletic accomplishments, executive function coaches zero in on improving how you think, plan, and execute tasks.
Picture this: you’re juggling twenty different deadlines at school or at work, your inbox is full, and your personal life feels like it’s on fire.
Enter an executive function coach.
They help identify the habits or skills that aren’t serving you, whether it’s poor organization, constant procrastination, or trouble balancing priorities.
Through one-on-one sessions, they work with you to create actionable strategies. These could involve building to-do lists that actually work, creating routines that build focus, and learning how to break down mammoth-sized tasks into bite-sized pieces.
What separates them from your average accountability buddy or colleague handing you sticky notes of advice?
Executive function coaches come armed with psychology-based tools and often tailor their approach to your unique strengths and struggles.
Many of them have specialized training in identifying underlying challenges like ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences that might be affecting your productivity without you realizing it.
What Are Executive Functions?
Before we go further into the coaching component, it’s important to acknowledge what executive functions actually are in more detail.
While they sound a bit lofty, executive functions aren’t something reserved for the upper echelon, like CEOs or high-level managers. They’re a set of mental skills that every single person needs to get through their day.
Think of executive functions as your brain’s built-in air traffic control system. They manage things like planning, focus, emotional regulation, and even the ability to juggle multiple tasks.
Unfortunately, not everyone’s “air traffic control system” runs as smoothly as it should.
People with ADHD or other learning differences often struggle with things like time management, setting goals, and following through on tasks.
This is where executive function coaching comes in: it’s like hiring a coach for your brain to help it better manage its plays.
To learn more about executive function skills, check out my YouTube video on What Are Executive Function Skills?
Who Needs an Executive Function Coach?
You might be reading all this and thinking,
“Is an executive function coach really that important?”
Short answer: yes, it is.
Even highly capable, intelligent people can struggle with executive functions. The demands of modern life have made it increasingly challenging to juggle priorities without dropping at least a few balls along the way.
Interestingly, research has demonstrated that deficits in executive function skills are among the leading contributors to workplace underperformance.
One study published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that a lack of executive functioning can contribute to academic struggles among students.
Other studies have shown that EF skills can significantly impact productivity and career success.
These skills are interwoven into every aspect of life, and when they’re not working the way they should, it can feel like you’re spinning your wheels with no clear direction.
That’s where an executive function coach can step in and lend some much-needed structure to the chaos.
Why is Executive Function Coaching Important?
Here’s the thing about tasks that seem overwhelming or impossible to organize.
They pile up.
And they don’t just stay in one corner of your life. They bleed into everything else, creating stress and anxiety.
Executive function coaching addresses these struggles at their core, offering strategies that are practical, sustainable, and personalized to an individual’s needs.
Remember that air traffic control system we talked about earlier?
Imagine what happens when one plane can’t land and another one’s circling in the air with no runway clear.
It’s chaos.
Coaching teaches you how to recalibrate this system.
For example, a coach might introduce you to tools like time-blocking, prioritization matrices, or effectively using planners.
They may help you:
Map out your goals into manageable steps
Set realistic deadlines
Develop habits to follow through
It’s a collaborative process, and no two coaching plans are exactly the same, which makes it uniquely effective.
Lots of programs gear people to think about executive coaching as a professional or educational add-on, but the impact runs deeper.
Studies show that improving executive functions can reduce stress and increase life satisfaction.
EF coaching has a ripple effect, positively influencing your work, relationships, and quality of life.
If you’re tired of being stuck in a cycle of overwhelm, you might just discover that coaching is the key to unlocking not just productivity, but peace of mind, too.
And if you’re somebody who’s thinking about becoming an executive function coach yourself, knowing its value and the larger role it plays will help you forge the connections you need to make a powerful impact.
How Do You Teach Executive Functioning?
The key to teaching executive functioning lies in breaking down each individual EF skill into more manageable parts.
For example, teaching time management often begins with something as simple as helping students distinguish between tasks that are “urgent” and “important.”
An educator might ask their class to list out everything they have to accomplish that week, categorize those tasks, and then assign realistic time frames to complete each one.
It’s practical, approachable, and gets students actively engaged with their schedules.
Another common approach is scaffolding.
Much like you wouldn’t toss someone into a pool and expect them to swim without lessons, coaching executive functioning requires gradual guidance.
A coach might work with a student to create a study plan for an upcoming exam. Early on, the coach might walk them through each step, from identifying the material to allocating time for review.
Over time, however, the student is encouraged to take more ownership, practicing and internalizing these strategies until they become second nature.
While an effective EF coach will always be one who has been thoroughly trained in the latest research and best practices, perhaps the most important element of coaching is in the ability to personalize.
Executive function skills don’t exist in isolation, nor do they have a one-size-fits-all approach.
For instance, one student’s challenge might be hyper-focusing on minute details, while another might struggle with initiating tasks entirely.
Tailoring these strategies to a student’s individual needs guarantees that each student finds systems and methods that resonate with their unique challenges and goals.
What Happens in a Coaching Session?
If you’re new to executive function coaching, you might imagine it’s some formal, rigid process where a coach hands over a to-do list and expects miracles.
The reality is far more dynamic and interactive. Again, individualization is key here.
A coaching session will likely begin with the student and coach working together to pinpoint specific challenges. Maybe the student is struggling to keep track of assignments or feels overwhelmed by long-term projects.
Together, they’ll break these challenges down into bite-sized, actionable steps.
If the issue is a massive science project, the coach might guide the student in creating milestones like “research materials by Monday” or “outline by Thursday” so that each task feels achievable.
Coaches often go beyond the to-do list by equipping students with tools and strategies tailored to their needs.
If a student constantly forgets homework, they might learn to use a digital calendar with reminders.
If procrastination is the issue, the coach could introduce techniques like the Pomodoro method, which breaks work into focused intervals punctuated by short breaks.
Ultimately, executive function coaching teaches students to think differently.
Sessions often include moments of reflection, with a coach asking questions like,
“What worked for you here? What didn’t?”
These conversations encourage students to build self-awareness, which is an essential component of long-term success.
How Are Executive Function Skills Assessed?
As we’ve said repeatedly, one of the most important factors related to EF coaching is personalization.
Before any coaching session can begin, a coach needs to know exactly where a person’s strengths and weaknesses lie.
To that end, assessing executive function skills typically involves a combination of:
Questionnaires
Task-based evaluations
Reflective discussions
One example of a tool that can be used is the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), which can gauge areas like inhibition, emotional control, and working memory.
Alongside this, a coach might observe how a student completes specific tasks, such as organizing a study plan or working through a multi-step homework assignment.
As the coach, it’s important to remember that assessment is not just identifying deficits, but understanding the root cause behind specific behaviors.
Maybe a student struggles to stay organized because they’re overwhelmed by options or hesitate to start tasks due to a fear of failure.
Whatever it might be, these insights will guide the coaching process and guarantee that the strategies are not just effective, but genuinely meaningful for the individual.
For more on this, check out my video on How To Assess A Student's Executive Function Skills.
How to Become an Executive Function Coach
Becoming an executive function coach doesn’t require years of advanced degrees, but it does require the right training, dedication, and passion for helping others succeed.
Many people start with a background in education, psychology, or counseling, though it’s not a strict prerequisite.
Instead, your first step should be to enroll in a reputable certification program, like the Executive Function Coaching Academy (EFCA) Certification Course.
Courses like this provide expert-led training on how to teach executive function skills, structure coaching sessions, set goals, and even launch your coaching practice.
If you have experience in teaching, counseling, or working in professional environments where organization and structure are key, you’ll find this field a natural fit.
These programs also include resources like live webinars, 1-on-1 mentorships, and strategies for finding clients, so you’ve got everything you need to start your career off on the right foot.
The Benefits of Becoming an Executive Function Coach
1. Empower Others
At its core, executive function coaching is about equipping people with the tools they need to succeed.
You’ll help students conquer procrastination, manage time effectively, and achieve goals.
The payoff?
Watching clients grow into confident, independent individuals.
2. Flexibility and Independence
Tired of the 9-to-5 grind?
Executive function coaching offers unmatched flexibility.
Many coaches run their own practices, customize their schedules, and even work from home.
Whether you want a full-time career or a part-time side hustle, this field adapts to your lifestyle.
3. High Demand
With over 11% of American students diagnosed with ADHD and countless others struggling with executive function challenges, the demand for skilled coaches is skyrocketing.
Schools, families, and organizations are all seeking expert support.
This high demand translates into abundant job opportunities and a sustainable career path.
4. A Profitable Career
Who says you can’t do good and make a living?
Many executive function coaches earn competitive incomes, with some charging $150–$337 per hour.
With programs like EFCA providing business insights, launching and scaling a profitable practice is realistic for anyone willing to put in the work.
5. A Sense of Community
Joining a professional network like the EFCA community connects you with like-minded individuals who share your goals.
These networks foster collaboration, mentorship, and ongoing learning–vital for staying ahead in this evolving field.
6. Learn Transferable Skills
The skills you develop as an executive function coach (like communication, active listening, and problem-solving) are invaluable and applicable to virtually any professional or personal setting.
Potential Drawbacks of Becoming an Executive Function Coach
1. Starting Costs
Building your career as an EF coach comes with upfront investments.
You may also need to allocate funds to marketing, insurance, and additional tools like scheduling software.
Despite this, many coaches find these initial costs a worthwhile investment in a rewarding long-term career.
Therefore, we can’t really classify this so much as a “drawback” as it is just a consideration you’ll need to account for.
2. The Learning Curve
If you’re new to entrepreneurship, starting your own practice may feel overwhelming.
Navigating business planning, marketing, and client acquisition takes time and effort, but programs like EFCA help simplify the process with step-by-step guidance and community.
3. Not ICF Certified
Unlike traditional life coaching certifications accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), EF coaching certifications such as EFCA aren’t tied to formal accrediting bodies.
While this doesn’t impact your ability to secure clients or launch your practice, it’s something to consider.
4. Specialized Focus
The majority of executive function coaching aims at supporting middle, high school, and college students.
If your passion lies outside these demographics (e.g., coaching younger children or adults), you’ll need to explore ways to adapt to your audience.
The Bottom Line
Executive function coaching is an opportunity to empower others while building a flexible, profitable business you love.
From helping students thrive to enjoying the freedom of self-employment, becoming an EF coach comes with countless benefits.
Are you ready to take the leap and see those benefits for yourself?
Join the Executive Function Coaching Academy and get the tools, training, and support to launch your coaching practice.
The time is now to make a difference!
Hope this helps! 🤙🏻
FAQs
Does insurance cover executive function coaching?
Insurance usually doesn’t cover EF coaching, as it’s not classified as a medical treatment.
However, the landscape is evolving.
If coaching is part of a therapy plan supervised by a licensed practitioner, there’s a small chance it could be reimbursed.
Be sure to check the details of your insurance policy or recommend that your clients do the same.
Do schools have to provide executive functioning coaches?
No, schools aren’t mandated to provide EF coaches.
While Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) may address executive functioning challenges, EF coaching as a service is not a legal requirement.
Still, many private or progressive schools voluntarily integrate EF coaching into their support services for students.
How much does an executive functioning coach make?
Salaries for EF coaches vary based on location, qualifications, and clientele, but Glassdoor reports an average salary of $61,000–$155,000 annually.
Independent coaches with established reputations can earn significantly more, especially if they offer premium, tailored coaching packages to high-income clients or organizations.
Want support in becoming an Executive Function Coach?
Consider joining hundreds of educators and professionals who have completed our executive function coaching certification.
You'll gain all the tools, templates, and techniques you'll need as a coach, plus you'll make new friends and have a community you can rely on to grow and learn. Learn more.
Here is one of our favorite reviews. You can read all recent reviews on this page.
If you're not sure now, that's ok. You can subscribe and get our weekly newsletter at no cost by entering your email below 👇
About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and expanding my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.